The University of the Philippines (UP) Softball Varsity Team remain perplexed in solving the tough puzzle that is the 11-time defending champions Adamson Lady Falcons—their longtime rivals since Season 85.
At the start of the season, last season’s silver medalists showcased unwavering strength in each battle, from swiftly finishing games in 2 and a half innings, to iron-clad shut-outs to pair with their sharp and aggressive runs, often leaving their opponents either scoreless or blowing them out with a huge lead.
Only this seemingly spotless record is dented by the Lady Falcons, from whom the Fighting Maroons lost twice in the first two rounds of elimination.
Yet to decode
Despite a commanding presence that swung them into the Finals, the Fighting Maroons fell short once more during their first encounter against the Lady Falcons, 3-6, on April 2 at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
Starting at offense, State U capitalized on an unusual faulty fielding by the Lady Falcons, where aggressive base runs following a masterful bunt by left fielder Danica Aquino catalyzed their lead at the top of the first inning, 1-0.
Senior first baseman Generose Torremocha, who was in scoring position, wasted no time to gain another run for the Diliman-based squad after a costly mistake from the San Marcelino squad.
While errors in defense also cost them a run, Martine Francisco turned the game around at the top of the fourth inning with a well-earned score, driven by her fellow infielder Aila Subaldo.
As the defense solidified in time and attempts for redemption were sought, the Maroons’ fatal misread sank the opportunity at the top of the fourth inning to progress their one-run lead.
The Lady Falcons’ defense awakened just in time to shut down the Maroon surge as UP runners on first and second were left hanging, preventing themselves from further damage.
Following a strike-out, the defending champions stepped up on offense in the sixth, where they tied and garnered themselves two more runs in time, eventually blanking State U’s opposition at their last chance to officially win the first Finals match.
Piecing it together
Despite this, however, the Fighting Maroons have proven to be geared with strong contenders.
Anchored on seniors Generose Torremocha and Team Captain Nickole Dela Cruz, they opened the season with an eruption of 11 runs in a single inning, and remained consistent with charges for the team amid facing difficulties.
Unyielding fortifications also take the form of their pitchers, namely senior ace pitcher KC Valino who more often than not dominates the mound.
Besides a powerful glove, the San Miguel, Bulacan native also amps up the team’s offense and extends hits for the team once she’s at-bat.
While her first encounter as a pitcher with the defending champions resulted in a few balls at first, she is not alone in the battle.
Together with pitchers Joy Laurente and Diane Pasco, who have previously faced the Lady Falcons, these pitchers create a lethal combination of unyielding walls—ready to back up one another at anytime.
The former opened the season by retiring six batters, resulting in two strikeouts, while the latter closed the same game, dismissing three final batters just as quickly.
Reliable infielders also keep them intact, with the help of first baseman Martine Francsico, who naturally weaves the runs of the team even in the most fragile moments, as well as second baseman Aila Subald, who capitalizes on a tiny spark with the team to widen their lead.
Moreover, UP has also been able to minimize score gaps against Adamson since their first meeting this season, coming off an 8-run deficit in the first round, now down to 3 at the finals opener.
One thing’s for sure: whether it’s defending the mound or producing an aggressive onslaught, the cogs that make up the Fighting Maroons are ready to drive them towards a breakthrough in the second game.
“Gusto namin mangyari, baliktarin namin ‘yung nangyari last season [86], which is nung first game nakuha namin, and second, third game nakuha nila [Lady Falcons],” recalls Team Captain Nickole Dela Cruz in a post-game interview with the UP Fighting Maroons Club, relating it to their intentions for this season’s finals.
“Ngayon, gino-goal naman namin na kami naman ‘yung kukuha ng second and third game.”
The Fighting Maroons have been nigh to a crowning title since their first comeback in eight years.
With unwavering grit and determination, UP will aim to crack the code to the championship at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.
